8 Chapter 8: Gate Keeper (2/2)

Luca looked at his fist in shock, seeing the flesh of his hand wriggle and pulse as the bones shifted, repairing the fractures. He felt fear crawl up his spine. Even though Luca felt a strength flowing through his body that he had never known, the aura Garen was putting off completely eclipsed it. He's on an entirely different level than me. If he wanted to kill me, there is nothing I could do to stop him.

Being completely outclassed was frightening. The difference between how strong Luca had already become and the power of this elf was enormous. Garen's lanky appearance might have implied weakness, but a sixth sense and common sense both warned Luca that Garen was anything but weak. I need to make peace with him. This isn't a fight I can win.

”I'm Luca,” he told the elf with some reservation mixed with resentment. What did he mean by welcome to the Game? The Genesis Game? Or something else? Luca tried to remain cordial. ”I'm new here and a little disorientated. I'm trying to find someplace to get some food.”

”And nothing else?” Asked Garen with an upraised eyebrow, his voice tinged with the edge of a threat. Luca thought the implied answer was obvious. Whoever the elven woman was, he would have to put off trying to find her to apologize.

”Just food Garen,” replied Luca. I mean, it's not a lie. I can't remember the last time I ate. ”I'm fairly hungry, and I just couldn't resist the smells coming off the food stands.”

”Well now, Luca, you certainly are in luck!.” Garen laughed, leering as his smile spread wider across his face. He doesn't actually enjoy this, does he? But I can tell he doesn't care either. A sociopath maybe? Luca knew the smile on Garen's face was just a mask, the way the elf's eyes move were reminiscent of a stalking predator. ”Yep, definitely in luck. The actual welcoming committee is on its way. The heads of your Human Guilds making their rounds to pick up survivors and stragglers that come through the Gate of the World Dungeon, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to feed you a meal on your side of town.”

”What do you mean, welcoming committee? What is the World Dungeon? ?” Asked Luca, looking around to see if anyone was coming. All I remember is being thrown through that strange gateway. ”I didn't come here with the rest of them.”

Garen laughed at him, a scornful unforgivable laugh. ”That's dead obvious Luca. Those wings are a dead give away. No one else living has a pair. Look, you seem nice enough, but I'm not here for exposition. Just do us both a favor, turn around and walk back to where you came from. Or I'll finish what I started. You understand?

Cowed and dejected, Luca nodded, turning around and walked back to rejoin the rest of humanity that lingered on the platform.

”One more thing.” Called out Garen, his voice taking an edge of serious to it. ”Wherever you came from, however, you got those wings. That's your secret to keep. Just be careful with it. I'm not your friend, but I'm not your enemy either. Somebody has plans for you. Don't mess it up doing human things.”